Work to find solutions to better manage the nation’s growing stockpile of CCA treated timber will be kick-started with $800,000 of funding from the South Australian and Commonwealth Governments.
The Treated Timber Product Stewardship Working Group, consisting of members of the wine and forest industries, environment specialists and universities, will develop a new national stewardship framework to address the reuse, recovery, management and safe disposal of treated timber.
The project, which will be managed by the South Australian Wine Industry Association, will have an initial focus of addressing the management of CCA treated timber stockpiled on vineyards, as the number of discarded posts is expected to grow in response to the current downturn in the wine sector.
The timber is treated with the preservative copper chrome arsenate, known as CCA, to protect it against insects and wood rot.
Whilst it does not impact horticulture crops or wine, when CCA treated timber is disposed of incorrectly, it can have potentially significant implications on the environment and human health.
The project aims to find and promote accessible and environmentally preferred solutions for all treated timber that diverts it away from landfill and minimises greenhouse gas emissions, which aligns with the priorities of South Australia’s Wood Fibre and Timber Industry Master Plan and Sustainable Winegrowing Australia.
It also aims to improve community and industry understanding of the risks of incorrect disposal and educate them about their environmental stewardship responsibilities.
Funding for the program is part of the South Australian and Commonwealth Governments’ SA Wine Recovery Program and the SA Wood Fibre and Timber Industry Master Plan.
The SA Wine Recovery Program has been developed following recommendations made by the National Viticulture and Wine Sector Working Group, established by Agriculture Ministers to support the wine industry to recover and return to productivity and sustainability from adverse events and market disruptions experienced in recent years.
SA Wine Recovery Program streams include vineyard waste management, building domestic demand and regional grape and wine capability and are being developed in partnership with the South Australian Wine Industry Association and Wine Grape Council of South Australia.
In addition to the project, the Department of Primary Industries and Regions (PIRSA) and Green Industries SA have co-invested $49,405 into a feasibility study, commissioned by Wine Australia, exploring the viability of establishing sites in wine regions where old CCA posts might be stored from nearby vineyard owners.
It is hoped such aggregation will help improve the cost effectiveness of innovative end-of-life solutions.
Minister for Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry and Small Business Julie Collins said the Federal Government is committed to supporting sustainable practices, including in the Australian grape and wine sector.
“This investment will assist growers to adopt best practices in the disposal of their treated timber products,” she said.
“This will help increase the re-use of wood waste and enhance the sustainability credentials of both our grape and wine, and forest and wood products sectors.”
Deputy Premier and Minister for Climate, Environment and Water Susan Close said the pioneering program was a game-changer for South Australia’s world-renowned wine industry.
“By turning waste into opportunity, we’re protecting our environment while proving that innovation and industry can go hand in hand,” she said.
“Sustainability is at the heart of South Australia’s wine success, and this trial showcases the power of partnership in action. With government and growers working together, we’re creating cleaner vineyards, cutting waste, and setting a new global benchmark for environmental responsibility.
“This smart and strategic solution is a testament to South Australia’s leadership in both sustainability and world-class winemaking. By bringing together industry ingenuity and government collaboration, we’re paving the way for a cleaner, greener future – one recovered post at a time.”
Minister for Primary Industries and Regional Development Clare Scriven said the State Government’s $800,000 of funding supports the first stage of the Treated Timber Stewardship Scheme and reinforces its strong commitment to improve sustainability and waste management within primary industries.
“The development of a comprehensive national treated timber stewardship framework needs to be a collaborative effort, and I applaud the timber and wine industries for their initiative, and I encourage support from across broader industry and the community to guide this important initiative forward,” she said.
Treated Timber Product Stewardship Working Group Chair Stephen Telford said the funding was very important, with South Australia taking the national lead to kick start a move to the adoption of better timber products and finding appropriate, affordable, and pragmatic safe disposal pathways for end-of-life CCA treated timber.
“A huge congratulations to the South Australian Government, especially the Hon. Clare Scriven for taking proactive leadership again towards positive environmental outcomes for all,” he said.
South Australian Forest Products Association chief executive Nathan Paine said South Australian forest and timber industries welcomed funding from both the State and Commonwealth Governments for the important waste management initiative.
“Viticulture is one of many industries that heavily relies on a thriving forestry sector, and it is estimated that at least 60 million vineyard posts are currently used across Australia, with vast majority produced from radiata pine,” he said.
“Understanding how to manage ageing posts in an environmentally and sustainable manner is critical in protecting biodiversity and human health.
“As a critical part of the supply chain, forest industries are pleased to be at the table in addressing the future of CCA treated timber.”
